"Alright, everyone, let’s pick up the pace! Last set of burpees—you’ve got this!" Jake called out, his voice cutting through the thumping bass of the workout playlist. Across the room, Anna groaned dramatically, her ponytail swinging as she dropped into a squat. "You’re a sadist, Jake," she muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched into a smirk.

Jake was the kind of trainer who could make even the most grueling workout feel like a challenge rather than a punishment. His broad shoulders and easy grin made him a favorite among the regulars, though Anna had always been more focused on surviving his classes than admiring him. She was lean but strong, her tank top clinging to her damp skin as she pushed through the final reps. Her cheeks were flushed, her hazel eyes sharp with determination, and Jake couldn’t help but notice how she always seemed to push herself harder than anyone else.

As the class wrapped up, Anna grabbed her water bottle and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. "You’re killing me, Jake," she said, her breath still uneven. He grinned, stepping closer. "You say that every week, but you keep coming back." She tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "Yeah, well, maybe I like the torture." The music faded, and the room suddenly felt quieter, the air between them charged with something unspoken.